Pork muscle cut exports reportedly declined by 4% in volume (to 112,417 metric tons or 247.8 million pounds) compared to January 2008, but increased by 2% in value to $295.8 million. Pork variety meat surged by 46% in volume (to 44,233 metric tons or 97.5 million pounds) and by 44% in value to $64.4 million.

This resulted in total pork plus pork variety meat exports of 156,650 metric tons (345.3 million pounds) valued at $360.2 million, an increase of 6% in volume and 8% in value over January 2008, according to USMEF.

Japan held its position as the top value destination for U.S. pork, importing 42,271 metric tons (93.2 million pounds) valued at $147.3 million in January. This represented an increase of 28% in volume and 39% in value over January 2008. Mexico was the volume leader for pork exports at 48,697 metric tons (107.4 million pounds), but was well behind Japan in terms of value at $73.9 million.